Rejection does not determine your worth.

Believing in yourself and embracing resilience in challenging times.

My LinkedIn feed is filled with job seekers sharing the challenges and frustrations they’re facing in their job searches, and many acknowledging the toll it has taken on their mental and physical health.

With the broken hiring systems and constant rejections, it’s no wonder that people are struggling.  It can be made even more challenging when one’s finances are strained and there are loved ones to care for.    

In today’s messy and complex job market, job searching has become an emotionally challenging process.  The anticipation and hope that coincides with each application can be immediately overshadowed by the sting of rejection; and the sting can quickly morph into a throbbing pain when the rejections are constant.  

When I was laid off and looking for work many years ago, I remember the excitement I felt when I applied to positions that aligned with my skills and experience.  As soon as I hit the ‘Submit’ button, I’d instantly picture myself and my future in that role. 

Alternatively, every rejection I received felt like a gut punch.  My sense of self-worth and confidence significantly declined when I received ‘No’ after ‘No’.  It was like each email was saying to me loud and clear: “Brooke, you are a failure.” 

I admittedly listened to that voice too many times and I eventually found myself in a deep, emotional rut.  Friends, I don’t want you to go through the same thing I did, so I am here today to offer support and encouragement.

As hard as things might be right now, it is critical to remember that rejections do NOT define your worth as a professional OR as a human being.

Your value is not tied to someone’s interpretation or perception of you, your experience, or qualifications.  Don’t give others that power.  That power rests with you. Your worth extends far beyond your job search.

Try detaching your value from rejections and embrace resilience.  Another strategy I incorporate in my life is not staying tied to the outcome. In the case of job seeking, that means moving on after applying to or interviewing for a job.  Apply with intention and interview strongly, but as soon as you’re done, leave it there and move on to whatever is the next right thing to focus on.

Mastering your mindset and cultivating your resilience is key.   It takes intentional practice but learning to detach alleviates the emotional toll of rejection because you are not tying your value or worth to a ‘yes’ or ‘no’.  

The next time you get a rejection email, you might spend a moment reflecting on the experience and what you have learned from it - or you might give yourself space to cry or get angry, but the key is to not dwell in it. Give yourself a time limit, then move on.

Try viewing the ‘rejection’ as a ‘redirection’ that will get you closer to your next right role where your talents are appreciated.  Consider it a good omen that it didn’t work out for you. 

Continue to remind yourself of your inherent value.  You are worthy because you exist and because of who you are as a human being. That is something that can’t be measured, and it is unconditional.

Job seeking can be a lonely journey, so rely on your trusted network for support.  It is freeing to share your experiences with others as it allows you to feel less alone, while also opens opportunities to gain new perspectives and ideas to keep you motivated and inspired. 

Lastly, it’s important to remember that the job market is heavily saturated with hundreds, and even thousands of job seekers vying for the same positions.  Take a small measure of comfort in knowing that a LOT of people are going through the same thing you are right now.

Keep pushing, friends.  Keep believing in yourself.

---

Words to inspire:

"There will always be someone who can’t see your worth. Don’t let that person be you." — Mel Robbins

---

If you like what you’re reading here, would you please consider sharing this publication with someone today? I APPRECIATE your support, friends!